About Me

Thursday, March 15, 2012

We all have that list, right?That list of things we want to do at Walt Disney World, but short of a lottery win or an Ocean’s Eleven-style heist, it doesn’t seem likely anytime soon. Some people call it their “Bucket List.”That’s a little morbid for my taste, so I call it my “I Don’t Know When, I Don’t Know How List”. A little unwieldy perhaps, but Part of Your World is absolutely stuck in your head right now, isn’t it? ;)

So what would I do at Walt Disney World if I had unlimited funds?Funny you should ask. I just happen to have this little countdown:

7. Any Tables in Wonderland experience that happens to be going on while I’m down there. They create private meal events in some really cool places – inside theme park attractions, closed restaurants, even giant warehouses full of Disney props. Costs vary, but are usually $100-$150 per person.

6. Parasailing - Flights set sail from the Contemporary Resort. The flights last between 8-12 minutes each and go up to from 450 to 600 feet. Take off and landing is from a boat, so you do not end up in the water at all. (This part is very important to me. There are snakes, alligators, and brain-eating amoeba in BayLake. It’s true; I’ve seen them.Well, maybe not the amoeba, but I’m willing to take that one on faith.) And it’s not cheap:

You must be at least six years old to participate. All fliers must be at least 130 lbs. and no more than 330 lbs. total weight in the parachute. If a flier is under the minimum requirement, he or she may accompany another flier to reach the minimum weight. Minors under the age of eighteen must have an adult present to sign waivers prior to departing on your trip.

5.Dine with a Disney Imagineer - Join a member of the WDW creative team for an informal, one-on-one lunch chat at the Disney's Hollywood Studios' legendary Hollywood Brown Derby or dinner at the Flying Fish Restaurant located at Disney’s BoardWalk Resort. You'll get a fascinating glimpse of the creative process as these talented men and women share what it's like to work in the most magical place in the world. In addition, each party will receive a souvenir designed exclusively for this experience that can be personalized by the Imagineer. Lunch at the Brown Derby is $60.99 for adults (ages 10 and up) and $34.99 for children (3-9).The Flying Fish dinner is only recommended for ages 14 and up, and runs $85.00, plus tax and gratuity. You can add wine pairings for an additional $30.00, and get a commemorative plate for $75.00.

4. Disney's Keys to the Kingdom Tour highlights the fascinating history of Walt Disney World Resort and provides backstage access to secret areas of MagicKingdomtheme park. This 4.5-hour tour explores the stories behind the creation and growth of Magic Kingdom theme park. Hear the intriguing story of Walt Disney and learn how his innovative ideas, revolutionary visions, creative philosophies and amazing accomplishments brought the park to life. The journey includes stops at backstage facilities and a variety of favorite attractions. One unforgettable highlight is a trip below MagicKingdom theme park into the service tunnels known as the Utilidors. Guests must be at least 16 years of age, and the cost is $74.00 per person.

3. Wild Africa Trek - Journey through Disney’s Animal Kingdom on a three hour tour (♪ a three hour tour ♪). Travel deep into PanganiForest on a thrilling, privately guided expedition featuring close encounters with exotic wildlife species. Adventurers are fitted with an expedition harness that attaches to an overhead track. Once your group reaches the riverbank, get a stunning look at the hippos, just 10 feet below. After a seemingly precarious trek across a rope bridge dangling over a throng of enormous crocodiles, experience another unbelievable view as you hang over the crocodiles' riverbed lair! Venture on to a VIP safari across an open savanna teeming with incredible views of everything from towering giraffe to powerful rhinos. A Disney photographer captures your experiences along the way. When you return home from your visit to Walt Disney World Resort, you'll receive a photo CD in the mail, which included in the cost of the tour. It should be, considering the tour will cost anywhere from $189-$249, depending on the season.

2. Backstage Magic Tour - On this 6-8 hour tour, guests get an in-depth look at the creative and technical operations used behind the scenes to bring innovative special effects, world-class entertainment and elaborate attractions to life. You go behind the scenes at Epcot and tour the Utilidors under the MagicKingdom. Take a break with a family-style lunch at the Whispering Canyon Café inside Disney's Wilderness Lodge. Then, see how horticulture and landscape design play a starring role in creating an endless variety of uniquely themed environments at the Walt Disney World Nursery & Tree Farm. Head to Disney's Hollywood Studios and see how Walt Disney Imagineers combined cutting-edge design with breakthrough technology to create the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. You'll also learn how the Creative Costuming team outfits the performers in Disney parades and shows. Finally, wrap up your day at Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park with an up-close look at Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade. All of this for a “mere” $229.00 per person (ages 16 and up).

1.The Chef's Table at Victoria & Albert's is a signature dining experience at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Enjoy a private dinner within the kitchen of Victoria & Albert's and interact with the restaurant's head chef, Chef Hunnel. An 11-year recipient of the prestigious AAA Five Diamond award, this is the premiere restaurant at Walt Disney World Resort, blending fine contemporary cuisine and world-renowned wine pairings from an award-winning cellar with personalized butler service and an elegant setting. Go behind the scenes and dine at a special table located inside the kitchen, where you can watch and speak with Chef Hunnel and staff as they prepare a 10-course meal. Each unique menu is brimming with ingredients culled fresh daily from the world market just for you. During the approximate 3-hour dining experience, Chef Hunnel offers culinary tidbits and tasting samples, catering the mouth-watering meal to you and your party's dietary preferences. A wait staff of two—a butler and a maid—are on hand to tend to your every whim. And with the Royal Wine Pairing, the sommelier selects superb vintages for each portion of your unique meal.

Menu Prix Fixe begins at $210.00 per guest, and wine pairings from $105.00 per guest. (Excuse me for a moment, while I go cry quietly in a corner.)